ISSF bycatch mitigation efforts for tropical tuna purse seine fisheries in the Atlantic ocean

Citation
Restrepo V, Murua J, Moreno G, Justel-Rubio A (2018) ISSF bycatch mitigation efforts for tropical tuna purse seine fisheries in the Atlantic ocean. Collect Vol Sci Pap ICCAT 74:1969–1974
Abstract

This paper summarizes ISSF activities relevant to quantifying and mitigating bycatch-related issues in tropical tuna purse seine fisheries in the Atlantic Ocean. Total target and non-target catch for 2011-2015 is presented. On average, bycatch is 7.69% of the catch in object sets, 2.12% in free-swimming school sets and 5.26% overall; which are relatively high rates mostly due to a large proportion of minor tuna species. ISSF scientists collaborate with industry both through research activities conducted at sea and by holding skipper workshops. The objectives of the workshops are to inform fishers of the latest advances in bycatch reduction practices and collect their feedback to be later tested by scientists during ISSF research cruises. Three research cruises have been conducted in the Atlantic Ocean to test bycatch mitigation measures, mostly of shark species and undesirable sizes of yellowfin and bigeye. Considering the high rate of small size major tunas, non-tuna bony fishes and minor tuna species present in Atlantic Ocean tropical purse seine bycatch, which are often targeted and marketed, a tuna retention measure would have a positive socioeconomic impact.